The story of Hope House begins with an extraordinary visionary, Judge Glendale Carter, who saw a critical need that no one else was addressing. Back in the 1950s, Judge Carter was troubled by a heartbreaking reality: children who needed protection were being housed in jail cells. Partnering with a local tribal chief, he established Hope House with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide a haven for vulnerable children.
The journey wasn’t easy. In the early days, the organization operated from a small two-story house on Broadway. Law enforcement and child welfare looked very different then. Police officers were the primary means of removing children from dangerous situations, and shelters like Hope House were critical lifelines. By 1990, the organization had grown enough to move into its current building – a groundbreaking facility with an open-concept design that became a model for shelters across Oklahoma. The new space allowed for more comprehensive services, including on-site schooling and specialized support programs.
The landscape of child welfare has dramatically changed over the decades. In the 1990s, the shelter would routinely house 14-16 children, including infants and toddlers. Today, stricter regulations mean fewer children can be sheltered, but the commitment to protection remains unchanged. Perhaps most notably, Hope House has always been more than just a shelter. Options for parental placements demonstrated their proactive approach, offering families a chance to de-escalate conflicts before they escalated to crisis point. The organization understood that supporting families means preventing trauma, not just responding to it.
Funding has been a constant challenge. What began as a community-supported initiative funded by local tribes, churches, and a legislative line item has transformed into a state-funded service. Yet, the core mission remains the same: protecting and supporting children. Judge Carter’s vision continues to inspire. Through changing laws, evolving social services, and challenging economic landscapes, Hope House has remained a beacon of hope for children in our community. As we look back on this remarkable history, we’re reminded that compassion, innovation, and dedication can create lasting change. Hope House isn’t just a building – it’s a promise to our community’s most vulnerable members.